American League Capsules

NEW YORK (AP) — Andy Pettitte made his much-anticipated return to the Yankees on Sunday, getting lavished with adoration while pitching into the seventh inning despite giving up a pair of two-run homers in New York’s 6-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners.

Nearly lost amid the excitement over Pettitte’s first major league appearance since retiring after the 2010 season was party crasher Kevin Millwood’s performance for Seattle — helped by three double plays. The 37-year-old Millwood (1-4) gave up three hits in seven innings and got his 2,000th career strikeout as Seattle avoided a three-game sweep.

The Yankees tried to prevent their old pal Pettitte from taking the loss with a rally in the eighth against four Seattle relievers. Robinson Cano was walked with two outs by Charlie Furbush with the bases loaded to make it 4-2. Mark Teixeira, though, struck out to end the inning.

The lovefest for Pettitte (0-1) began when the lefty appeared with several players in videos welcoming fans to Yankee Stadium after batting practice. The cheers grew as he strolled out to the bullpen for warmups and fans rose for a standing ovation when the five-time World Series champion followed his teammates onto the field for the first inning.

RAYS 9, ORIOLES 8

BALTIMORE (AP) — Elliot Johnson and Ben Zobrist homered, Carlos Pena ended an extended slump with two doubles and two RBIs, and Tampa Bay held on to beat Baltimore.

James Shields earned his sixth win as the Rays snapped a three-game skid with their second win in eight games. Tampa Bay entered the series tied atop the AL East with Baltimore.

The Rays led 7-1 in the fourth inning and 9-6 in the eighth, but it was 9-8 when Fernando Rodney ended it with runners on second and third for his 10th save.

Shields (6-1) gave up six runs, four earned, and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings.

Seth Smith hit a solo homer for Oakland and Jarrod Parker (1-1) worked 5 2-3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and four walks.

Jose Valverde worked the ninth for his seventh save in nine chances.

Tigers slugger Prince Fielder went 0 for 5 to finish a 0-for-18 series.

RED SOX 12, INDIANS 1

BOSTON (AP) — Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered during a six-run seventh inning and drove in five runs to lead Boston past Cleveland.

Rookie Will Middlebrooks hit his fourth homer for the Red Sox, who have rebounded from a 1-8 skid with three straight wins.

Daniel Bard (3-4) survived some early control problems and held the Indians to one run despite walking four and allowing six hits over six innings.

Justin Masterson (1-3) also had control issues, falling behind 4-0 while facing all nine Boston batters in the first inning. He lasted six innings, allowing six runs on seven hits.

ROYALS 9, WHITE SOX 1

CHICAGO (AP) — Jeff Francoeur hit his first homer of the season and pinch-hitter Johnny Giavotella had a two-run double to lead Kansas City over Chicago.

Alcides Escobar went 3 for 3 with two walks for Kansas City, which broke it open with six runs in the ninth inning. Francoeur also had an RBI single and made a nice play in right field.

Starter Danny Duffy recorded two outs before he trudged off the mound following a short discussion with manager Ned Yost and a trainer. Luis Mendoza (2-2) came in and pitched 5 2-3 innings, allowing one run and seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks.